Question

Goblet cells are_____________
A. Unicellular glands
B. Multicellular glands
C. Stratified epithelium
D. Dead keratinized cells

Answer 1

Hint:The goblet cells arise from the pluripotent stem cells. The initial function of the goblet cells is to secrete mucin and to create a protective mucus layer. Clinically the goblet cells are associated with respiratory diseases and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Complete answer:The exocrine glands secrete their products onto the skin or into the body cavities. The unicellular exocrine glands, which is also called the goblet glands do this directly by the exocytosis, while the multicellular glands, which is also called the salivary glands, transport their product through the duct on the epithelial surface. The products secreted by the exocrine glands include sweat, oil, mucus, bile, and more.
The goblet cells can also be simple columnar epithelial cells that are responsible for the secretion of the gel-forming mucins, like mucin. The goblet cell is a unicellular exocrine gland common to most animal groups. This cell is the second category of the secretory cell which is present in the fish skin and occurs in the internal epithelia of the fish as in other vertebrates. Hence, the goblet cells are the unicellular glands.

Therefore, the correct answer is option A.

Note:The goblet cells can be found scattered among other cells in the epithelium of many organs, especially in the intestinal and the respiratory tracts. In some areas, the number of goblet cells is small as compared to the other cell types, while in the tissues such as the colon; goblet cells are much more abundant. They are responsible for the production and maintenance of the protective mucus blanket by synthesizing and secreting the high-molecular-weight glycoprotein called mucins.